John 1:42 kjv

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

John 1:42 nkjv

And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone).

John 1:42 niv

And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).

John 1:42 esv

He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter ).

John 1:42 nlt

Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John ? but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter" ).

John 1 verses

John 1 42 Meaning

John 1:42 describes a pivotal moment early in Jesus' public ministry where He meets Simon, brought by his brother Andrew. Jesus immediately demonstrates His divine knowledge and authority by identifying Simon's full name and his father's, and then prophesying a new name and identity for him: Cephas, which is translated to Peter. This act signifies Simon's future foundational role within Jesus' kingdom, chosen and divinely appointed not based on earthly merit but by divine prerogative. It establishes Jesus as the one who bestows true identity and purpose.

John 1 42 Context

John chapter 1 introduces Jesus as the Word (Logos), the Creator, and the light of mankind. It presents John the Baptist as the witness to the light, testifying that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In the immediate verses prior to John 1:42, Jesus begins calling His first disciples. Andrew, having spent time with Jesus and recognized Him as the Messiah, enthusiastically seeks out his brother Simon. He immediately tells Simon that they have "found the Messiah." It is in this context of Andrew's excited discovery and Simon's introduction to Jesus that this crucial encounter unfolds. The setting is likely Bethsaida or Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee, early in Jesus' public ministry before His fame spread widely. Historically, the act of renaming someone by a higher authority, especially a king or a prophet, indicated a transfer of destiny or purpose, as seen in the Old Testament. This action by Jesus directly signifies His divine prerogative to assign purpose and define identity.

John 1 42 Word analysis

• He brought (ἤγαγεν - ēgagen): This highlights Andrew's initiative and zeal to introduce his brother to the Messiah he had just found. It emphasizes the importance of personal evangelism and sharing the good news.
• him (αὐτὸν - auton): Refers to Simon, Andrew's brother. The focus shifts quickly to Simon, as he is destined for a significant role.
• to Jesus (πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν - pros ton Iēsoun): The ultimate destination. It shows Jesus as the focal point, the one to whom all people should be brought for life transformation.
• Jesus (ὁ Ἰησοῦς - ho Iēsous): The divine Son, whose presence inherently carries power and insight.
• looked at him (ἐμβλέψας αὐτῷ - emblepsas autō): A piercing gaze, suggesting a profound and immediate understanding of Simon's character and destiny, beyond superficial appearance. It implies a knowing gaze, a divine discernment.
• and said (εἶπεν - eipen): Simple declarative, conveying divine pronouncement.
• You are Simon (Σὺ εἶ Σίμων - Sy ei Simōn): Jesus acknowledges Simon's current identity. Simon was a common name. This establishes Jesus' divine omniscience; He already knows Simon and his lineage.
• son of John (τοῦ Ἰωνᾶ - tou Iōna): Literally "son of Jona" or "son of Jonah." In some traditions or manuscripts, it's 'John.' This confirms Jesus' precise knowledge of Simon's lineage, further proving His divine insight even before being told.
• You will be called (Σὺ κληθήσῃ - Sy klēthēsē): A future prophetic passive verb. This is not a suggestion but a declaration of divine decree. Jesus is instituting a new identity and destiny for Simon. This act of renaming by Jesus signifies a change in identity, role, and often, destiny.
• Cephas (Κηφᾶς - Kēphās): This is an Aramaic word (ܟ݁ܶܐܦ݂ܳܐ - Kēphā) meaning "rock" or "stone." It highlights Jesus speaking in the common language of His Jewish disciples. It signifies a strong, stable foundation.
• (which, when translated, is Peter) (ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον Πέτρος - ho estin methermēneuomenon Petros): The evangelist John provides the Greek equivalent for his largely Greek-speaking audience. Peter (Πέτρος - Petros) is the Greek word for "rock" or "stone." This dual naming emphasizes the concept universally, for both Jewish and Hellenistic Christians. It confirms that the meaning is foundational and strong.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• He brought him to Jesus: Andrew's immediate and effective act of evangelism, highlighting the personal touch in bringing others to Christ.
• Jesus looked at him: A moment of divine insight, where Jesus' gaze penetrates Simon's true being, demonstrating His inherent divinity and knowledge.
• and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas': This tripartite statement signifies Jesus' omniscience (knowing Simon's past), omnipotence/sovereignty (prophetically renaming him and determining his future), and the transformative power of encountering Christ. The act of renaming is a kingly and prophetic gesture, indicating a change in destiny and an endowment of new character suited for a new mission.
• Cephas (which, when translated, is Peter): The inclusion of both the Aramaic and Greek terms for "rock" or "stone" underscores the significance of the new name, making it understandable to both Aramaic-speaking Jews and Greek-speaking Gentiles. It symbolizes the universal foundational nature of Peter's future role in the church.

John 1 42 Bonus section

The concept of renaming in the Bible always carries profound theological weight. It is often connected to a new covenant, a new purpose, or a deeper relationship with God. In Peter's case, the name "rock" was prophetic and challenging, given his often impulsive and sometimes unstable character throughout the Gospels. Yet, through the sanctifying work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter did become a rock of the early church, known for his bold preaching and leadership after Pentecost. This demonstrates that Jesus names us not for who we are entirely, but for who we are destined to become in Him. The dual rendering of "Cephas" and "Peter" in the text also points to John's writing for a broader, hellenistic audience, ensuring that the Aramaic significance was clear in the dominant Greek language. This reflects the universal nature of Christ's message from its very beginning.

John 1 42 Commentary

John 1:42 succinctly portrays Jesus' divine nature through His immediate, comprehensive understanding of Simon's identity and His authoritative declaration of a new name, Cephas/Peter. This act of renaming by Jesus parallels God's renaming of Abram to Abraham (Gen 17:5) and Jacob to Israel (Gen 32:28), demonstrating Jesus' divine prerogative and sovereign authority over individual destiny and purpose. Simon, who would become "Peter the Rock," was inherently transformed by this encounter and the subsequent years with Jesus. This naming wasn't just descriptive of a future trait, but prescriptive – it imbued Simon with the potential for steadfastness, a foundation upon which the Church, built ultimately on Christ, would have an earthly, apostolic pillar. This foundational renaming prepared Peter for his later leadership role, highlighted by his confession (Mt 16:16-18) and his Pentecost sermon (Acts 2). The verse beautifully encapsulates that to follow Jesus is to receive a new identity and purpose, not by human design, but by divine decree.